How Forensic Science is Applied to Criminal Justice
Forensics -- a complex, intellectually-challenging field of study that has been popularized by modern police dramas. In fact, it was only two decades ago that the term "forensics" was an obscure aspect of the investigation process. Today, forensics science dominates prime time television with its flashy approach to crime scene investigation and incontrovertible resolution of unsolved case. While slightly sensationalized by popular network television, the forensics field indeed offers many exciting job opportunities to those individuals willing to complete the proper training and educational requirements.
At its core, forensics is simply the application of science to the law. More commonly, forensics is known as the systematic collection and examination of physical evidence as gathered from a crime scene and processed in order to establish or eliminate a connection between a suspect and a crime. Forensics can provide the missing link in a crime case or serve as a fueling factor for further investigation -- either way, forensic evidence and technology are crucial elements of a criminal investigation. Therefore, a licensed forensic specialist must adhere to specific and, at times, grueling procedures to ensure all collected evidence is legitimate, prevent contamination of evidence and preserve the chain of custody.
The background and training of forensic specialists vary between the different branches of forensics, which include medicine, crime scene investigation, computer technology, psychiatry, engineering and accounting. In many cases, forensic specialists concentrate in the type of evidence, or traces, being examined, such as tire tracks, dental impressions, fiber evidence or blood DNA.
On the other hand, potential forensic specialists can earn their bachelor's degrees in various fields of study, including accounting, anthropology, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice and toxicology. While a bachelor's degree is an excellent start, advancements in technology and crime have increased the need for job candidates to hold advanced degrees -- most typically, a Master of Science in a specific field of forensic science. Those individuals seeking a doctoral degree will find that the majority of graduate programs are research-based and designed to advance the very procedures and technology used by fellow forensic specialists.
In addition to taking a typical course load, a student of forensics will spend many hours within a laboratory honing his or her research and critical thinking skills. Opportunities for internships and co-ops are also designed to assist students in the mastery of their research and analysis skills.
Regardless of specialization, there are several key skills that any forensic specialist must develop. At the forefront of these abilities is critical thinking. A forensic specialist needs to be able to see passed the simple facts and apply evidence to theoretical situations and occurrences. In addition, students will learn to use the scientific method for problem solving; administer quality control and analysis; utilize sound logic and reasoning; and apply inductive reasoning, information ordering and visualization.
Having completed the appropriate educational requirements, there are additional questions a potential job candidate needs to ask him or herself before accepting a position. For one, do I want to work in the field or in a laboratory? While modern television dramas make it appear as though one investigator sees a piece of evidence through from initial recovery to case-specific application, this is not the case. Many forensic specialists spend the majority of their time in laboratories rather than gathering evidence from a crime scene.
To gain a clearer picture of the daily duties of a forensic specialist, consider the following topics as a list of potential duties and responsibilities:
- Carefully secure and preserve evidence collected from a crime scene
- Gather and test tissue samples
- Apply investigative research and methods to the examination of collected data
- Record and measure samples using special equipment
- Analyze fingerprints and handwriting samples
- Classify all gathered information and interpret results upon test completion
- Compile data results into documented reports
- Orally present investigation results and reports to a scientific or criminal investigation team
- Appear and testify as a witness in an official criminal court case
With the right skills and educational background, forensic science could be the right career for you. Take a moment to explore the academic opportunities awaiting you. They are only a click away!!